| Choices, choices, choices…. - Click HERE for Original Thread |
| Kris |
| If you had to choose, which one you would go with – Infiniti G35, Infiniti M35, Acura TL, Cadillac CTS…………and why……….. |
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| rtking |
quote:
Originally posted by Kris
If you had to choose, which one you would go with – Infiniti G35, Infiniti M35, Acura TL, Cadillac CTS…………and why………..
Gotta ask - based on what criteria? Need for family space? Need for a functional 4 door that still fun yet sporty?
I will say that I would probably lean toward the new (2007) G35, with the M35 coming in a close second. It's not because I have an affinity for Nissan/Infiniti, but out of the choices mentioned, these happen to be at the top of that abbreviated list.
The Acura TL misses the cut (despite being a very handsome vehicle) because it is: 1. going to be restyled very soon, 2. the automatic transmissions on Hondas/Acuras are not very stout (see forums on the Honda/Acura boards and the number of auto tranny failures), 3. is front wheel drive and exhibits torque steer. If going with the TL Type S with the 6 speed, that would probably be a bunch of fun.
The CTS misses the cut because: 1. It will also be restyled soon, 2. Depreciation is brutal on American cars in general, and on the CTS in particular, 3. Quality of fit and finish is poor IMO (the cars at the LA auto show didn't even have aligned shut-lines on the body panels), 4. "feel" of the interior materials is fair, at best, and 5. Ergonomics were only fair with lots of little same-sized buttons to confuse you, and interior space was lacking compared to the other vehicles you mentioned.
The G35 makes the top cut for being small, nimble, having good interior room. Depreciation is still fairly stiff on Infiniti models though.
The M35 is handsome on the exterior, but I'm not keen on the center stack on the interior console. Overall, it's a nice car, but with the longer wheelbase, it'll feel more stable but less nimble than its G35 brethren.
Again, the above are just my $0.02...
Bob |
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| Eric L. |
| I'd echo Bob's reply above and say the G35 and M35 are the top choices among the vehicles you list above. The CTS has been redesigned though and early previews of the new model look very promising. |
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| manitoba murano |
| I'd go with the M if you like a little more room, or the G if not. Caddy would be about #20 on my list. The TL is a nice car too--but it feels almost sterile when you drive it. It's like driving a video game simulator in that the feedback to the driver is dumbed down at best. |
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| Kris |
Thanks for replies. I still have around 8 months so I am starting to look around.
Why? We decided that the FX will be the family “SUV” so I can get something more down to earth. I love the Murano but I do miss handling and performance of a sports sedan.
My choices are:
#1 – M35. I like almost everything about the car.
#2 – G35. Better handling and more nimble than M but a little bit too small.
TL – nice car but I really want rear wheel drive. So this one is off the list.
CTS – I like the look. Do not like the drive train. Apparently the new engine (direct injection) will be more powerful and refined. Still it is a GM car.
Depreciation – that is true Infinitis depreciate relatively fast but not as bad as domestics. And they last forever.
I think I am set for M35. My wife also talks about BMW and MB but they are simply too expensive and costly to repair. I love the MB C-class though. On a small side but rock solid at 140mph. I guess G would be similar. A couple of months ago the FX had some repairs done and we had a G35 loaner. I did not like the interior but I guess this was because it was strip down version that also took some abuse. But the handling! Fantastic! I drove on a twisty road that I normally go 40 mph with the Murano. Anything faster and Murano complains….G35 went through the same bends at 60 mpg without me realizing it! So this is going to be a toss up between two Infinitis. The choice is between handling and space. I mostly drive alone or with my wife only so space should not be a big factor, then again I like more space….Guess cannot get everything in one package… |
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| manitoba murano |
| I can't imagine BMW or MB repair rates are MUCH higher then Infinity's. I'd have a look at a 5 series if I were you, and weigh the pros and cons between it and the M35. |
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| SUNSPOT |
You forgot Option "E".
How about NONE OF THE ABOVE. |
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| hfelknor |
I'm w/mizz Sunspot.
But only for me, not Kris.
Kris is a big boy who is extraordinarily knowledgeable about cars.
He will get the most bang for the buck (He's done it before, right?).
I would rate them
1- G35 Best Bang (Easily wins over standard M35 IMO)
2- BMW 335
3- M35 Sport - The bimmer has a better engine (What did he say? Sacrilege!) and more character!
BMW costly to service?
Not really.
4 years/50,000 mile warranty.
During this time ALL maintenance is no charge!
NC for oil changes or the ever popular "inspections" etc. Even NC for brake pads. rotors, etc if needed!
In my own case......I'm way early.
Prolly keep the Murano for at least another year. Maybe two.
Right now I would lean toward the Acura RDX.
(I will never again drive down on the deck with no visibility around all the Muranos. ;) )
Have to admit the Ford and the Hyundai are interesting........ Don't know what the Infiniti will be.....but I am gun shy to buy anything related to Ghosen. The man doesn't understand customer service.
Homer |
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| Kris |
SUNSPOT,
You are right, there should be an option “E”. But at this stage these are the cars I short listed. By the way – When shopping for my last car it took me more than 6 months. Never considered SUV or cross-over. Till I tried Murano. After that decision was very quick…
Homer,
I do not think I am a “big boy who is extraordinarily knowledgeable about cars”…..I am just an average Joe Shmoe interested in cars….
As you I did briefly considered RDX but somehow this car does not suit me. I am waiting for Infiniti EX, but then again two Infinitis, cross overs in one garage? But this may actually be the best option for me – power, performance (beats FX35!!!!). handling….not sure yet.
BMW – I do not know why but I prefer MB. Maybe because I drove so many of them recently. The 5-series I drove a few months ago somehow did not appeal to me.
Time will tell. I will test drive a few cars and see what really suits me. I am too practical for the new C37 or Z37. I need comfort with some good space, performance and handling…..I guess I am asking too much from one package… |
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| rtking |
quote:
Originally posted by Kris
BMW – I do not know why but I prefer MB. Maybe because I drove so many of them recently. The 5-series I drove a few months ago somehow did not appeal to me.
BMW makes a heck-of-a-driver's car, but the designs from Chris Bangle really polarizes the population: Either people love or hate the designs. I am in the latter category - I am not impressed with the 5 and 7 series designs. But BMW couldn't care less what I think since they're selling plenty of cars.
I like the E-class, but the early problems with the 2003 cars makes me wary. My C-class (2002 Coupe) has been trouble free, but I'm in need of a 4-door, so I'm beginning to think about vehicular options as well. The 2007 G35 is high on my list... |
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